About Us
What is Overland Xperience?
Overlanders Xperience (OX) is an organized off-road navigation, adventure, and camping experience designed for drivers, co-drivers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.
OX combines competitive off-road navigation, guided exploration, camping, and community activities into multi-day events that welcome both experienced teams and newcomers. While competition is an important part of OX, the experience goes far beyond racing and focuses on navigation, precision, teamwork, and exploration.
The origin of OX:
Overlanders Xperience was founded by Luis Vassallo, bringing together a team of professionals from different disciplines who share a passion for adventure, off-road travel, and exploration.
After more than 30 years of international overland travel, expeditions, and off-road experience, the OX concept evolved from pure exploration into a structured format that combines navigation-based competition, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly participation.
Today, OX represents the natural evolution of overlanding into an organized, accessible, and meaningful experience.
What does “Overlander” mean?
An overlander is someone driven by the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Overlanders seek to experience each region beyond tourist routes by traveling overland, crossing borders, navigating remote paths, and connecting with local culture, landscapes, and communities. Overlanding is not about speed or luxury; it is about discovery, adaptability, and learning through travel.
OX embraces this philosophy and translates it into organized events and experiences.
What makes OX different?
Overlanders Xperience is not a traditional off-road race or a guided tour.
OX is built around:
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Navigation and route precision
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Time and distance accuracy
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Teamwork between driver and co-driver
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Decision-making under real off-road conditions
Participants navigate independently using a roadbook, follow waypoints, complete special challenges, and manage their strategy over multiple days of driving and camping.
A complete off-road experience
OX is designed to offer much more than competition.
Participants can:
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Compete in navigation-based challenges
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Join guided routes and exploration activities
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Camp at the official base camp
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Participate in OX Quest discovery activities
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Watch special challenges and competitive stages
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Attend social gatherings, raffles, and awards ceremonies
This structure allows each participant to experience OX in their own way, whether competing, exploring, or simply enjoying the adventure.
Family-friendly and inclusive
Overlanders Xperience is a family-friendly off-road adventure event designed to welcome a wide range of participants and visitors.
OX welcomes:
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Families looking to enjoy an outdoor weekend together
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Children who want to explore nature and experience the outdoors
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Off-road beginners who want to learn and gain confidence
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Experienced off-road teams seeking technical challenges
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Outdoor enthusiasts interested in camping and exploration
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ATV and four-wheeler riders
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Side by Side (SxS) riders
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Spectators who want to enjoy the atmosphere without driving
From Discovery Class to Xtreme Class, OX offers different levels of challenge, allowing each participant to choose how they want to experience the event.
In addition to driving activities, OX often includes kid-friendly activities, such as inflatable attractions or simple outdoor games, depending on the location, creating an environment where families can relax while children stay engaged.
OX is designed to maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive environment, where competition, adventure, learning, and family participation come together in a responsible and enjoyable way.
Experience and expertise behind OX
The OX team brings extensive experience in:
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4x4 driving and vehicle preparation
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Off-road navigation and route design
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Recovery and rescue techniques
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Expedition logistics
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Media production and documentation
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Outdoor safety and first aid
This experience ensures that OX events are challenging, well-organized, and professionally executed.
Beyond events: expeditions, family camps, and training
In addition to its main competitive events, Overlanders Xperience has developed a broad range of off-road and overland experiences that reflect the full scope of the OX vision.
VIP Expeditions and Overland Trips
OX has organized exclusive VIP expeditions and overland trips, including multiple successful adventures in Utah and other destinations. These experiences are designed for small groups and focus on scenic routes, exploration, and premium adventure travel beyond competition.
OX Family Camps
Overlanders Xperience has also organized six OX Family Camps, events dedicated entirely to families and outdoor enjoyment.
These family-focused weekends include:
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Camping at a shared base camp
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Outdoor activities for children led by specialized guides
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Guided 4x4 routes suitable for the whole family
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Group activities such as kayak or canoe outings to close the weekend
OX Family Camps are designed as a healthy, safe, and fun outdoor experience where families can disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature.
Traning and education
Education is a core component of the OX philosophy.
OX has delivered:
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More than 12 off-road navigation training courses using the Gaia GPS app
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Six 4x4 recovery training courses, focused on safe and responsible recovery techniques
These courses support both beginners and experienced drivers, reinforcing OX’s commitment to safety, skill development, and responsible off-road recreation.
Competitive experience
Since its beginning in 2018, including the inaugural OX 0, Overlanders Xperience has successfully organized 24 off-road navigation competitions. These events form the foundation of OX and reflect years of experience in event organization, route design, and navigation-based competition.
Luis Vassallo
Professional Summary
Off-road expert, entrepreneur, and expedition leader with over 30 years of experience in the 4x4 industry. Founder of Overlanders Xperience, an off-road navigation competition that has gained national recognition. Recognized as an off-road expert by Televisa Univision & Toyota, serving as the host and designer of Tacompetencia. Extensive experience in business management, off-road training, vehicle modifications, event production, and media collaborations. Has led high-profile international expeditions across Alaska, South America, and Australia, working in field testing projects with PDV (Petroleos de Venezuela) and Goodyear for synthetic oils and MTR tires.
Professional Experience
President & Founder | Overlanders Xperience
Florida, USA | 2018 - Present
● Created and developed Overlanders Xperience, an off-road navigation rally with events in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
● Organized 29+ major events, including OX Competitions, Family Camps, Utah VIP Expeditions, and training courses.
● Partnered with industry leaders such as Toyota, ARB, Midland USA, Cosmo Tires, and Dobinsons USA.
● Produced media content for YouTube, TV shows, and digital publications, growing a dedicated audience of 20,000+ subscribers.
●Committed to environmental conservation and responsible off-roading through partnerships with Tread Lightly!
Host & Off-Road Expert | Televisa Univision & Toyota USA | 2024
● Official host and off-road expert for Tacompetencia, a televised competition featuring the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro & Trailhunter.
● Designed and executed 4x4 challenges, evaluated participants, and served as the face of the Toyota campaign, aired on VIX and social media.
Partner & Event Producer | Papagayo Productions LLC
Miami-Dade & Broward, USA | 2022 - 2023
● Partnered in an event production company, organizing eight concerts (600-1000 attendees) across South Florida.
● Handled venue selection, artist bookings, logistics, and production execution for live entertainment events.
Managing Partner | AVA Cars LLC
Florida, USA | 2016 - 2018
● Co-founded and managed a successful car dealership, specializing in off-road vehicles and custom modifications.
Owner | Auto Repair Shop (OGE 4X4 LLC)
Florida, USA | 2012 - 2015
● Owned and operated an automotive repair shop focused on 4x4 vehicle modifications, repairs, and accessories.
Business Owner | Water Truck Shipping Company
Venezuela | 2008 - 2011
● Founded and managed a water transportation business, overseeing logistics and fleet management.
Off-Road Trainer | Mitsubishi Motors Venezuela
Venezuela | 2007 - 2008
● Lead instructor for the "Montero Challenge", a Mitsubishi Motors event teaching 4x4 driving techniques across various terrains.
● One of the official drivers for the launch of the 2008 Mitsubishi Montero Limited, demonstrating vehicle capabilities in high-profile media and dealership events.
General Manager | Importaciones Intercolor C.A.
Venezuela | 2004 - 2008
● Directed business operations, sales strategies, and supply chain management.
Construction Manager | Constructora Asmandi C.A.
Venezuela | 2000 - 2004
● Managed the construction of two residential buildings (82 apartments), overseeing all aspects of project execution.
Sales Manager | Importaciones Intercolor C.A.
Venezuela | 1996 - 2000
● Led sales and business development in an international trade company.
International Expeditions & Industry Contributions
Sponsorships & Field Testing with PDV & Goodyear
● Collaborated with PDV (Petroleos de Venezuela) and Goodyear on field testing synthetic oils and MTR tires in extreme off-road conditions.
● Conducted field tests in:
○ Alaska Expedition 2005 – Cold-weather performance evaluation.
○ Travesía 6 Fronteras (South America) – Terrain adaptability testing.
○ Australia Expedition 2007 – Extreme desert and outback conditions.
Major Expeditions & Achievements
● Alaska Expedition 2005 – Off-road journey from Houston, Texas, to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in winter conditions, documented by AXN TV.
● Travesía 6 Fronteras – 6-country overland expedition in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela, combining off-road travel with extreme sports.
● Australia Expedition 2007 – Complex logistics and planning for a cross-continent 4x4 expedition, documented and aired by Fox Sports Latin America.
● Alaska Overlanders Xperience – Solo overland expedition from Key West, Florida, to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, covering 17 U.S. National Parks and creating content for YouTube and media outlets.
Education
● American Advanced Technicians Institute (AATI) | Certified Mechanic / Technician | 2017
● Universidad José María Vargas | Civil Engineering | 1997 - 2000
● Universidad Metropolitana | Engineering Studies | 1993 - 1997
Certifications & Skills
- Off-Road Driving & Navigation Expert - Vehicle Field Testing & Product Development - Event Planning & Live Entertainment Production - Automotive Mechanics & 4x4 Modifications - Expedition & Adventure Travel Organization - Business Development & Management - Media & Public Speaking
Media & Public Recognition
● Featured in Diario Las Américas, Telemundo, Fox Sports, Univision, AXN, and various off-road publications.
● Competed in Overland Challenge, Red Clay Rally, and Cruiser Fest, earning top placements.
● Over 20,000 YouTube subscribers, producing content on overlanding, off-road competitions, and vehicle reviews.
● Recognized twice at Cruiser Fest for off-road expertise (2013 Best Overlanding Cruiser, 2018 Best of Show).
Languages
Spanish – Native
English – Fluent
Italian – Fluent
